Compact truck tailgate and general purpose utility ladder

ABSTRACT

An exemplary embodiment sets forth an apparatus, including a non-collapsible single unit stair comprising: a pair of opposing side rails supporting at least a top step and a bottom step; a coupler adapted to couple the apparatus to an edge of a horizontal surface; and a height adjustable user-support arm, coupled to one of the side rails with a rotatable coupling, wherein the user-support arm is moveable between a support position and a storage position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/133,353, filed May 20, 2005, the entire contentof which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to ladders, and moreparticularly, to a ladder suitable for use as a ladder for vehicleshaving a tailgate or flatbed, and as a general purpose free-standingladder.

2. Related Art

Pickup tailgate-type vehicles, for example, pickup trucks, sport utilityvehicles (SUV), and station wagons, in today's world have become avehicle of choice for a variety of reasons that were not as apparent inthe past. A vehicle with a tailgate was considered a “work” type vehicleused in construction, farming, and industry.

Now there are extended cabs, four-door models with luxurious interiorswith many features that were previously only found in fine automobiles.Today's SUVs, vans, station wagons, and pick-up trucks are broadly usedfor tailgate parties, at car races, ballgames, outdoor concerts, beachparties, and many other outdoor activities in addition to theirtraditional work-related uses.

Unfortunately, accessing a tailgate or flatbed of a vehicle can be quitean obstacle for many people. A major challenge is accessing the bed ofthe vehicle. It can be very difficult to reach over the side rails ofthe bed of a vehicle in order to retrieve an object, or to climb intothe truck bed without the aid of a step assembly. It is even moredifficult to exit the truck bed, whether a person is carrying somethingor simply trying to get down, because of the height of the tailgate fromthe ground.

The use of step assemblies for tailgate access is known in the art.However, conventional step assemblies have various shortcomings thatmake them an imperfect solution to the problem of tailgate and truck bedaccess.

Some tailgate step assemblies are mounted permanently to a base on theinside of the tailgate, which always encumbers the tailgate. Users ofsuch tailgate step assemblies often have to exercise additional care notto trip over the permanently mounted assembly. Others are mountedpermanently to the outside of the tailgate, which exposes the ladder todamage and theft.

Most tailgates or flatbed type vehicles have a standardized distancefrom the ground to the tailgate or flatbed of approximately 28 inches,30 inches, 33 inches, 37 inches, or 49 inches. Some conventionaltailgate step assemblies have only a single step, which does little tobridge the height gap from tailgate to ground. Still other tailgate stepassemblies have very narrow steps, or steps with large heightseparations, which are difficult for the elderly or disabled to use, aswell as tiring for those using the assembly for an extended period oftime. For example, virtually all types of ladders and staircase typeassemblies in today's marketplace have a step or rung riser height of9.5 inches to 12 inches, while typical building staircases have riserheights of around 6 to 8 inches.

Most conventional tailgate step assemblies have no support arms. Intailgate step assemblies that do have support arms, the support arms arevery short. Short support arms are essentially useless, particularlywhen leaving the vehicle bed. Most support arms are not permanentlyattached to the step assembly, which makes them very easy to forget ormisplace.

Still other tailgate step assemblies have many moving parts or arecollapsible, which tends to make them less stable and prone tomalfunction.

Further, no conventional tailgate step assemblies are useable asfree-standing step assemblies. If the user of the tailgate step assemblyalso needs a ladder or step assembly, for example, at a job site, theuser would have to bring an extra ladder for that purpose.

What is needed then is an improved tailgate step assembly that overcomesshortcomings of conventional solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes anon-collapsible staircase-type step assembly that can be coupled to anoutside vertical edge of a tailgate or vehicle flatbed, and that hasheight adjustable support arms. The step assembly may also havetelescoping adjustable feet at the underside of the bottom step. Thestep assembly can be free-standing with a pair of ladder support legs,designed to steady and position the ladder steps (when in the user openposition) in a precise horizontal position ready for use. The laddersupport legs may also have telescoping adjustable feet attached to thebottom end of the legs. A pair of wheels or casters at the backside ofthe siderails at the bottom end of the ladder may allow for easymovement of the ladder in a closed position. When coupled to a tailgate,the ladder may leave the tailgate totally clear and unencumbered. Theladder may be easily removed for its many other diversified uses, and isnot limited to just being attached to a tailgate or vehicle flatbed.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide for much safer accessto the tailgate of a pickup truck when the tailgate is in the horizontalopen position and/or the flatbed of a vehicle. With an exemplary riserheight of 7 to 8 inches, embodiments of the present invention provide avery uniform standard type design to fit all vehicle tailgate or flatbedconfigurations.

The user comfort support railings may be permanently attached to thestep assembly so they cannot be forgotten or left behind, and may beheight adjustable.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus mayinclude a non-collapsible single unit stair comprising: a pair ofopposing side rails supporting at least a top step and a bottom step; acoupler adapted to couple the apparatus to an edge of a horizontalsurface; and a height adjustable user-support arm, coupled to one of theside rails with a rotatable coupling, wherein the user-support arm ismoveable between a support position and a storage position.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus iscoupled to the edge of the horizontal surface, the apparatus does notencumber the horizontal surface substantially.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus mayfurther include a second height-adjustable user-support arm.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus mayfurther include a pair of support legs, each having a top end coupledwith a rotatable leg coupling to a different side rail and a bottom endfor resting on a support surface, wherein each support leg is moveablebetween an extended support position and a folded storage position.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the support legsare extended, the apparatus is capable of standing freely without beingcoupled to the horizontal surface.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom end ofeach of the pair of support legs further comprises a height-adjustablefoot.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the pairof support legs may further include a wheel coupled to the bottom end.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus isstorable against a vertical surface.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus mayfurther include a height-adjustable foot coupled to a bottom end of eachof the side rails.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a wheel may becoupled to a bottom end of each of the side rails.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each step isapproximately 15 inches wide.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each step isseparated vertically from an adjacent step by approximately 7 to 8inches.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user-supportarm is adjustable from a height of approximately 15 inches to a heightof approximately 32 inches above the top step.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus mayfurther include a utility tray coupled to the two user-support arms.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the coupler mayinclude a fastening slot adapted to receive a bolt head extending fromthe edge of the horizontal surface.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fastening slotmay be disposed in the user-support arm, or top step.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rotatable legcoupling may include: a pair of rotor limiting plates separated by aseparation sleeve, each rotor-limiting plate having a user-ready slotand a storage slot in an outer edge, wherein an outer side of one rotorlimiting plate is coupled to the side rail and an outer side of theother rotor limiting plate is coupled to the support leg; fasteningmeans disposed substantially within the separation sleeve to fasten thepair of rotor limiting plates to each other, wherein the fastening meansforms a pivot point for the support leg; a locking pin coupled to thesupport leg and adapted to fit in the user-ready and the storage slots;and tension adjusting means adapted to allow the locking pin to moveradially inward and outward with respect to the pivot point.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rotatablecoupling may include a pair of rotor limiting plates separated by aseparation sleeve, each rotor limiting plate having a user-ready slotand a storage slot in an outer edge, wherein an outer side of one rotorlimiting plate is coupled to the side rail and an outer side of theother rotor limiting plate is coupled to the user-support arm; fasteningmeans disposed substantially within the separation sleeve to fasten thepair of rotor limiting plates to each other, wherein the fastening meansforms a pivot point for the user-support arm; a locking pin coupled tothe user-support arm and adapted to fit in the user-ready and thestorage slots; and tension adjusting means adapted to allow the lockingpin to move radially inward and outward with respect to the pivot point.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a rotatablecoupling may include: a pair of rotor limiting plates separated by aseparation sleeve, each rotor limiting plate having a user-ready slotand a storage slot in an outer edge, wherein an outer side of one rotorlimiting plate is adapted to be coupled to a fixed support and an outerside of the other rotor limiting plate is adapted to be coupled to arotatable member; fastening means disposed substantially within theseparation sleeve to fasten the pair of rotor limiting plates to eachother, wherein the fastening means forms a pivot point for the rotatablemember; a locking pin coupled to the rotatable member and adapted to fitin the user-ready and the storage slots; and tension adjusting meansadapted to allow the locking pin to move radially inward and outwardwith respect to the pivot point.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tensionadjusting means may include a spring coupled at one end to theseparation sleeve and at the opposite end to the locking pin.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tensionadjusting means may include: a spring adapted to be coupled at one endto the fixed support and at the opposite end to the rotatable member.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rotatablecoupling may include a curved slot disposed in said side rail; arotation rivet coupled to said user support arm and disposed in saidcurved slot, adapted to move freely in said curved slot; a couplingadapted to couple said user-support arm to said side rail and to allowsaid user-support arm to rotate between said support position and saidstorage position; and means for preventing said user-support arm frommoving when in said support position or said storage position.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatusmay include: a non-collapsible single unit stair comprising a pair ofopposing side rails supporting at least a top step and a bottom step;and a roller system adapted to attach said apparatus adjacent to asubstantially horizontal surface, said roller system providing formovement of the apparatus between a user-ready position and a storageposition under said substantially horizontal surface.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may furtherinclude a height adjustable user-support arm, coupled to one of saidside rails with a rotatable coupling, wherein said user-support arm ismoveable between a support position and a storage position.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may furtherinclude a second height adjustable user-support arm.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the roller system mayinclude a pair of spaced-apart travel rails attached to said horizontalsurface; and a pair of rollers attached to said single unit stair andlocated on said travel rails. The roller system can be adapted toconnect to the underside of a vehicle, such as a trailer.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may furtherinclude an actuator mechanism adapted to move said apparatus between theuser-ready position and the storage position. The actuator mechanism cancomprises a pneumatic cylinder, a motor driven chain and sprocketarrangement, or any other conventional drive means.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may furtherinclude an adjustable bumper bracket associated with said single unitstair, said adjustable bumper bracket adapted to connect to a structureassociated with the substantially horizontal surface, such as the tophorizontal portion of a trailer bumper bar. The adjustable bumperbracket retains said single unit stair in the user-ready position. Theadjustable bracket can be raised or lowered to adjust at least thevertical height of said single unit stair with respect to thesubstantially horizontal surface when said single unit stair is in theuser-ready position. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, theapparatus may include at least one non-collapsible ladder braceconnecting said adjustable bracket to said single unit stair. In anotherexemplary embodiment, a secondary non-collapsible ladder brace may beattached to the first ladder brace to connect said adjustable bumperbracket to said single unit stair.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus mayfurther include: a non-collapsible single unit stair comprising a pairof opposing side rails supporting at least a top step and a bottom step;at least one hinge adapted to connect said apparatus to an edge of ahorizontal surface, said hinge providing for movement of said singleunit stair between a user-ready position and a storage position; and aheight adjustable user-support arm, coupled to one of said side railswith a rotatable coupling, wherein said user-support arm is moveablebetween a support position and a storage position.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may furtherinclude a second height adjustable user-support arm.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may includean angle iron adapted to mount to said edge of said horizontal surface.One side of said hinge can be mounted on said angle iron.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may furtherinclude a ladder holding plate and at least a second hinge attachingsaid ladder holding plate to said angle iron.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, said horizontal surface ispart of a vehicle, for example, the upper horizontal surface of an opentailgate.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus mayinclude: a non-collapsible single unit stair comprising a pair ofopposing side rails supporting at least a top step and a bottom step,and a backdrop located behind and above the top step of the stair; anangle iron adapted to mount to an edge of said horizontal surface, saidangle iron comprising a first leg extending substantially parallel tothe horizontal surface, and a second leg extending substantiallyperpendicular to the horizontal surface; a ladder holding plate; atleast one first hinge connecting said single unit stair to said angleiron; and at least one second hinge connecting said ladder holding plateto said angle iron; wherein surface engagement between said angle ironand said backdrop supports said single unit stair in said user-readyposition.

Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as thestructure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, aredescribed in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the following, more particular description of exemplaryembodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical,functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary side view of a four-step non-collapsibleone-piece staircase type ladder in the open position attached to a trucktailgate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary side view of an exemplary embodiment of afour-step version of the invention in a free-standing user-readyposition, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A depicts the ladder shown in FIG. 2, with the user-support armsin the storage position;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary front view of the ladder in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary top view of an exemplary top step of anembodiment of the present invention where the ladder attaches to thetailgate from slots provided in the user-support arms;

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary top view of a top step of an embodiment ofthe present invention where the ladder attaches to the tailgate fromslots provided in the vertical backdrop behind the top step;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary isometric view of the ladder shown in FIG.1, secured to an outside adjacent vertical face of a tailgate in thehorizontal position, by an exemplary fastening means or bolts;

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary side view of the ladder shown in FIG. 1coupled to a vehicle having a tailgate one step height higher than thetop step of the ladder;

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary side view of the ladder shown in FIG. 1,secured to a flatbed vehicle with fastening means provided in the usercomfort support railings;

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary front view of a ladder secured to thefurthest outside vertical section of a deck at an emergency door exit ofa bus type vehicle such as a school bus;

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary side view of an exemplary five step versionof the staircase type ladder in the open position which may be standingor secured adjacent to the bed or end of an enclosed tractor trailerlike vehicle, and the staircase type ladder in an exemplary storageposition under the bed of trailer;

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary top view of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention mounted to inside of closed truck tailgate in anexemplary concealed storage position;

FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary side view of the stored ladder shown inFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary side view of a first exemplary embodimentof a rotatable coupling which may attach a support leg to the ladder;

FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary side view of a first exemplary embodimentof a rotatable coupling which may attach a user-support arm to theladder;

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary front view of the rotatable couplings shownin FIGS. 13 and 14;

FIG. 16 depicts an exemplary isometric view of the rotatable couplingsshown in FIGS. 13 and 14 which may be used for a support leg and auser-support arm, respectively;

FIG. 17 depicts an exemplary side view of a second exemplary embodimentof a rotatable coupling attaching a support leg to the ladder;

FIG. 18 depicts an exemplary side view of a second exemplary embodimentof a rotatable coupling attaching a user-support arm to the ladder;

FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary front view of the rotatable couplings shownin FIGS. 17 and 18, which may be used for a support leg and auser-support arm, respectively;

FIG. 20 depicts an exemplary isometric view of the rotatable couplingsshown in FIGS. 17 and 18, which may be used for a support leg and auser-support arm, respectively;

FIG. 21 depicts an isometric view of a one-piece solid ladder withoutattachments;

FIG. 22 depicts a rear view of an exemplary top step of the inventionshowing exemplary rotatable couplings;

FIG. 23 depicts a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of arotatable coupling used to couple a user-support arm to the side rail;

FIG. 23A is an enlarged view of the rotatable coupling shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 24 depicts a back view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotatablecoupling used to couple a user-support arm to the side rail as shown inFIGS. 23 and 23A;

FIG. 25 depicts an exemplary side view of an exemplary staircase typeladder of the present invention in the user-ready position which may besecured to the bed or end of an enclosed tractor trailer like vehicle,and the staircase type ladder in an exemplary storage position under thebed of the trailer;

FIG. 26 depicts an exemplary rear view of an exemplary staircase typeladder in an open position (left) secured adjacent to the bed or end ofan enclosed tractor trailer like vehicle, and in two different closedpositions (center, right) under the bed of the trailer;

FIG. 27 depicts an exemplary side view of an exemplary staircase typeladder in an open position and attached to an open tailgate of a pickuptype vehicle, and also in an exemplary storage position inside a bed ofa pickup type vehicle;

FIG. 28 depicts an exemplary isometric view of an exemplary staircasetype ladder mounted via hinges to the top face of an open tailgate of apickup type vehicle;

FIG. 29 depicts an exemplary side view of an exemplary staircase typeladder of the present invention in the user-ready position which may besecured adjacent to the bed or end of an enclosed tractor trailer likevehicle, and the staircase type ladder in an exemplary storage positionunder the bed of the trailer;

FIG. 30 depicts an exemplary side view of an exemplary staircase typeladder of the present invention mounted to a trailer frame and includingan exemplary pneumatic cylinder that can permit movement of the ladderfrom an open position to a storage position under the trailer and visaversa; and

FIG. 31 depicts an exemplary top view of an exemplary staircase typeladder of the present invention mounted to a trailer frame and includingan exemplary pneumatic cylinder that can permit movement of the ladderfrom an open position to a storage position under the trailer and visaversa.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is discussed in detail below.While specific exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should beunderstood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A personskilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components andconfigurations can be used without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a first exemplary embodiment ofnon-collapsible staircase-type ladder 1. The ladder 1 may include anon-collapsible single unit stair that may include a pair of opposingside rails 5 supporting four steps 6. Although the side rails 5 andsteps 6 are discussed as separate components, exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention may comprise a single unit of side rails 5 andsteps 6, formed, for example, from a single molded piece of plastic,fiberglass, aluminum plate, diamond plate, or stainless steel plate,etc., forming the side rails and steps. The ladder 1 may further includea pair of support legs 12, and one or two telescoping user-support arms16. The stability of ladder 1 may be improved with a collapsiblecross-brace 15 which may be coupled to side rail 5 and support leg 12.

The ladder 1 may be coupled to the outermost edge 3 of an open trucktailgate 4. The coupling mechanism may include, for example,tailgate-to-ladder fastening bolts 25 that may protrude from edge 3 ofthe tailgate 4. See FIGS. 4 and 5 below. Slots (not shown in FIG. 1, butsee slots 17, 10 described further below with reference to FIGS. 3 and6, respectively) may be provided in, e.g., the user-support arms 16, orin the back of the top step 6, that may be operative to slide over thefastening bolts 25 and secure the ladder 1 to the tailgate edge 3. Inthis first embodiment, when the tailgate 4 is secured to slots in theback of the top step of the ladder 1, the top step may be at the sameelevation as the open tailgate 4. The fastening bolts 25 may move freelyup and down while positioned in the slots, while the ladder 1 may stayimmobile on the ground. Coupling the ladder 1 to the edge 3 of atailgate 4 may leave the horizontal surface of the tailgate 4unencumbered for access of people or materials. The user-support arm 16and support leg 12 are also shown in a storage position on the outsideof side rail 5, for reference.

When ladder 1 is in the access user ready position, as shown in FIG. 1,the slots may be centered at the same center as fastening bolts 25 whentailgate 4 is in the open horizontal position. In an exemplaryembodiment, to achieve this alignment, for example, on uneven ground,the ends of the support legs 12 may be equipped with adjustabletelescopic feet 13, and the inside face of the side rails 5 or theinside front face of the bottom step 6 may be equipped with adjustabletelescopic feet 8. In an exemplary embodiment, the casters 14 may beinstalled on an outside bottom surface of the side rails 5 to allow theladder 1 to be rolled about in a closed position.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary side view of ladder 1 in a free-standing,user-ready position, with telescoping user-support arms 16 fullyextended, according to an exemplary embodiment. A utility tray 20 may becoupled to the upper ends of user-support arms 16 and ready for use.Height-adjustable feet 8 and 13 together may permit ladder 1 to beleveled when open on an uneven surface. In addition, in an exemplaryembodiment, spring-actuated casters 19 may be coupled to the lower endsof support legs 12 or on the inside face of side rails 5, or on theinside front face of bottom step 6. In an exemplary embodiment, casters19 may permit the operator to roll ladder 1 from one area to anotherwithout having to open and close ladder 1. This feature may be usefulfor trades people using the ladder in areas where the ladder may rolleasily on the floor. The feature also makes it possible to move theladder with any tools and supplies in use aboard the ladder withouthaving to fold and carry the ladder and find another means for movingthe tools and supplies. Support leg 12 is also shown in a storageposition underneath steps 6.

FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary side view of ladder 1 in a free-standing,user-ready position, with user-support arms 16 in a storage position,where they can be mounted to an outside face of the side rails 5, whichpermits use of the ladder without the user-support arms 16. Support leg12 is also show in a storage position against the outside of side rail5.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of ladder 1. Ladder 1 may provide a largeopening 23 in the stair risers, which may allow the user's entire foot,or both feet, to be on one step 6. In an exemplary embodiment, each stepmay be about fifteen inches wide and may be about 9 inches deep. In anexemplary embodiment, each step may be vertically separated from anadjacent step by about seven to eight inches. In an exemplaryembodiment, height-adjustable feet 13 may be attached to support leg 12by matching up holes in leg 12 with holes on an insert piece onheight-adjustable foot 13. Feet 8 may be adjusted by matching up holesin a foot 8 with holes on an insert piece, and by the insertion of adimpled locking spring device 30. The insert piece may be on the insideface of the bottom step 6 or on the inside face of side rails 5. Foot 8may be adjusted and secured at a desired position. The height ofuser-support arm 16 may be adjusted in a similar manner, or by any othersecurable, adjustable means. Slots 10 are indicated where they may bepositioned, e.g., in the back of the top step 6. Slots 17 are shown inthe back of user-support arms 16, although slots 17 may not be visiblefrom the front of ladder 1. The use of slots 10 or slots 17 depends onthe alignment of the tailgate or flatbed with the ladder. For example,if the tailgate or flat bed is higher than the top step 6, then slots 17are used. If the tailgate or flatbed is at the same height as the topstep 6, then slots 10 are used.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary top view of a top step of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention where the ladder may be attached tothe tailgate from the user-support arms 16. The ladder 1 may be coupledto the vertical face 3 of tailgate 4, for example, by sliding slots 17,disposed in user-support arms 16, over tailgate-to-ladder fasteningbolts 25 protruding from the vertical face 3 of open tailgate 4, or of avehicle flatbed.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary top view of a top step of an embodiment ofthe present invention where the ladder may attach to the vertical face 3of the open tailgate from the vertical backdrop behind the top step 6.Slots 10 may be disposed in the back of the top step that may be adaptedto slide over fastening bolts 25.

FIG. 6 depicts an isometric view of the ladder shown in FIG. 1, securedto an outside face 3 of a tailgate 4 in the horizontal position, byfastening means which may be provided in the vertical back drop behindthe top step 6. Fastening the ladder 1 to the tailgate 4 at the top stepmay allow the top step to be substantially level with the horizontaltailgate.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the ladder coupled to a tailgate, withfastening means provided in the user-support arms 16, where the tailgateis higher than the top step of the ladder.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the ladder secured to an exemplary flatbedtrailer 9 with fastening means provided in the user-support arms 16. Thefastening means may be, for example, bolts or other means described inrelation to FIG. 4, or any of various conventional couplers, fasteners,or connectors. When the ladder is fastened by the user-support arms 16,the top step of the ladder may be positioned one step-height below theflatbed or tailgate height.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary front view of a ladder 100 secured to thefurthest outside vertical section of the deck at the emergency door exitof a school bus type vehicle. The user-support arms 16 are shown stowedin a storage position.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary side view of an exemplary five-stepembodiment 102 of the staircase type ladder in an open position whichmay be secured or standing adjacent to the bed of an enclosed tractortrailer like vehicle. Also shown is the staircase type ladder 102 in astorage position under the bed of the trailer.

FIG. 11 depicts a top view of ladder 1 which may be mounted to theinside of a closed truck tailgate in the concealed storage position.User-support arm 16 and support leg 12 are shown in a storage positionon the outside face of side rail 5. FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary sideview of the stored ladder shown in FIG. 11. The folded ladder assemblymay be mounted, for example, by means of retractable storage brackets 7coupled to the outer face 3 of tailgate 4 via fastening bolts 25.

FIGS. 13-15 show various exemplary views of a first exemplary embodimentof a rotatable coupling 200 that may be used to couple support leg 12 oruser-support arm 16 to an exemplary ladder according to embodiments ofthe present invention. Hereinafter, the coupling may be described asbeing attached to support leg 12, however, the coupling may be coupledanalogously to user-support arm 16, as shown, for example, in FIG. 14.

Support leg 12 may be mounted in between rotor limiting plates 36. Eachrotor limiting plate 36 may have at least two slots disposed in itsouter edge: a storage slot 31, 43, and a user-ready slot 38. Thecouplings shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 are substantially similar, however,the separation and angle between the user-ready slot and storage slot ina support leg coupling may be different from the separation and angle ina user-support arm coupling. Although only two slots are described indetail below, any number of slots could be provided in the rotorlimiting plates 36 to allow more flexibility in positioning the supportlegs 12 and the user-support arms 16. Rotor limiting plates 36 may besubstantially semi-circular, or circular less a sector as illustrated,but are not limited to that shape.

A separation sleeve 41 may be placed between rotor limiting plates 36and over a securing bolt 32. Separation sleeve 41 may be long enough topermit rotation of support leg 12 about separation sleeve 41. Supportleg 12 may have a locking pin 34 mounted inside a hollow stanchion ofsupport leg 12 that may penetrate the walls of support leg 12. Lockingpin 34 may protrude from the outside face of support leg 12 for a lengthapproximately equal to the thickness of the rotor limiting plate 36.

One end of a spring 33 may be coupled to locking pin 34, while theopposite end of spring 33 may be coupled to separation sleeve 41 inbetween rotor limiting plates 36. Spring 33 may be generally stretchedand under tension at all times, resulting in locking pin 34 being heldagainst the bottom of one of the user-ready or storage slots, as seen,e.g., in FIG. 13, or may be held against the outer edge of rotorlimiting plates 36, as seen, e.g., in FIG. 14.

When locking pin 34 is in a slot, e.g., slot 38, a gap may be createdbetween the bottom of contoured spring slot 40, and the bottom ofseparation sleeve 41. This gap may be approximately equal to thediameter of stationary locking pin 34. When the user desires to movesupport leg 12, or user-support arm 16, from one position to another,support leg 12 may be pulled such that locking pin 34 comes out of theslot where it rests. While locking pin 34 is out of its current slot,support leg 12 may be rotated to another slot while locking pin 34slides along the outer edge of rotor-limiting plates 36. Pulling supportleg 12 to remove locking pin 34 from a slot temporarily closes the gap.

FIG. 16 is described further below following FIG. 19.

FIGS. 17-19 show various exemplary views of second exemplary embodimentof a rotatable coupling 300 that may be used to couple support leg 12 oruser-support arm 16 to an exemplary ladder according to embodiments ofthe present invention. Hereinafter, the coupling is described as beingattached to support leg 12, however, the coupling 300 may be coupledanalogously to user-support arm 16, as shown, for example, in FIG. 18.

Support leg 12 may be coupled to a rotary plate 45 secured in betweenrotor limiting plates 36. A spring 33 may be secured at one end tosupport leg 12, for example, in a hole 47. The other end of spring 33may be secured to rotor limiting plate 36, for example, in a hole 46. Aconfigured slot 44 in rotary plate 45 may provide a gap between thebottom of the separation sleeve 41 and the bottom of the configured slot44 approximately equal to the diameter of locking pin 48. This gap maypermit locking pin 48 to move to the outside edge of rotor limitingplates 36 when more pressure is applied to spring 33, e.g., when supportleg 12 is pulled on in the direction of the line of spring 33.

FIG. 16 shows an isometric view of part of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention, with user-support arm 16 secured to an outsideface side rail 5 with rotatable coupling 200. Further, support leg 12 isshown secured to the inside face of side rail 5 with rotatable coupling200. Support legs 12 may also be secured to the outside face of siderails 5 at a point just below user-support arms 16. User-support arm 16and support leg 12 may be rotated from a user ready slot to a storageposition slot or vice versa. Either of the embodiments shown in FIGS.13-15 or FIGS. 17-19 may be used to couple support legs 12 oruser-support arms 16 to the ladder 1. Additionally, other couplingmechanisms may also be used. FIG. 20 is analogous to FIG. 16, but forrotatable coupling 300.

FIG. 21 shows an isometric view of a one-piece non-collapsiblesingle-unit stair, without any additional components. The stair may bemade in a mesh style, or solid. The stair may be made from, e.g.,aluminum, diamond plate, stainless steel, fiberglass, nylon or plastic,formed or stamped from a one piece configuration. The steps of the stairmay be perforated to prevent liquids from pooling on the steps. Thesteps may also have a non-skid surface.

FIG. 22 depicts a rear view showing the back side of the top step 6. Therotatable couplings 200 and 300, respectively, on the user-support arms16 are shown coupled to the outside face of side rails 5, while therotatable couplings 200 and 300 for the support legs 12 may be coupledto the inside face of side rails 5. The rotatable couplings for thesupport leg 12 may be coupled in the alternative to the outside face ofside rails 5.

FIG. 23 depicts a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of arotatable coupling used to couple a user-support arm 16 to the side rail5. FIG. 23A is an enlarged view of the rotatable coupling shown in FIG.23. FIGS. 23 and 23A show the user-support arm in the user ready andstorage positions. The user-support arm 16 is pulled against the outsideface of side rail 5 by a rotation rivet 37 that holds user-support arm16 and side rail 5 together. User-support arm 16 may also be held inposition with a rivet 26, whose shaft may pass through user-support arm16 and curved slot 39. Slot 39 may be wide enough to permit penetrationof the shaft of rivet 26. Rivet 26 may be disposed in a hole 27 inuser-support arm 16. The shaft of rivet 26 may be long enough to extendfrom the outside face of user-support arm 16 to the inside face of slot39 in side rail 5. The disposition of rivet 26 in slot 39 may permit therotation of user-support arm 16 between a user-ready and a storageposition. User-support arm 16 may be secured in position to side rail 5by a thumbscrew 35 through a hole 50 (user ready position) or hole 51(storage position), both in side rail 5. When in the storage position,user-support arm 16 may be further secured with a holding bracket 24coupled to side rail 5.

FIG. 24 depicts a back view of the user-support arm 16 in a user readyposition and secured to the outside face of side rail 5. Hole 50 in siderail 5 receives thumbscrew 35 to secure user-support arm 16. The shaftof rivet 26 fits within slot 39, and is held in slot 39 by the ends ofthe rivet 26.

Referring to FIG. 25, another exemplary embodiment of a ladder 5according to the present invention is shown. FIG. 25 is a side view of afive step version of ladder 5 shown in the user-ready position as wellas in the storage position. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the topstep of ladder 5 is one step below the deck of the trailer.

When ladder 5 is in the user-ready position, it can be held there by anadjustable bumper bracket 50 that can be secured to a first ladderbracket 39 and/or a secondary, non-collapsible ladder bracket 52.According to one exemplary embodiment, the unit comes with the optionalsecondary bumper bracket 52 attached, although it can easily be removedif the trailer horizontal bumper bar is too high to permit its use.

The secondary, non-collapsible ladder bracket 52 may be necessary whenthe horizontal trailer bumper bracket 126 is approximately 21 inchesabove ground level. Vertical sections of the ladder brackets 39, 52 maybe constructed of hollow tubing (e.g., rectangular or square hollowtubing) so that bumper bracket 50 can be located inside the tubing andmoved up or down for proper vertical alignment.

Ladder 5 can be held in place by one or more rollers 27 that allowladder 5 to move freely from an open user-ready position to a storageposition under trailer, both of which are shown. Rollers 27 can bemounted over a rod 60 that snugly passes through side rails locatedbehind ladder 5. The rollers 27 can rest between ladder roller tracks 37that are mounted under truck bed framing 59, for example, by one or moreadjustable hangers 35 that are welded or bolted to the truck bed framing59. Hanger(s) 35 can be designed to be adjustable in position and/or toconform to the truck bed framing 59. Replaceable ladder rollers 27 maybe permanently mounted in between roller rails 37. Threaded rod can beattached to each hanger 35 to allow roller rails 37 to be adjustedvertically to allow for exact vertical location of the horizontalposition of the ladder's steps. One of ordinary skill in the art willknow that the rollers 27, roller rails 37, rail hanger(s) 35, andrelated components may be of a different style or type than what isshown.

Once ladder 5 steps have been set at the desired vertical position whenin the user-ready position, the bottom horizontal section of adjustablebumper bracket 50 can be positioned to rest firmly against the tophorizontal section of horizontal bumper rail 126, and then secured tonon-collapsible secondary ladder bracket 52, for example, using bolts. Aslide pin 64 can be mounted to the outside vertical face of theadjustable bumper bracket 50. Slide pin 64 can be extended downward tothe point where it will rest against outside vertical face portion ofthe horizontal bumper rail 126, and hold ladder 5 in the user readyposition. Since the horizontal bumper rail 126 may be located atdifferent heights depending on the vehicle, adjustable bumper bracket 50can be adjusted vertically to suit various locations.

When ladder 5 is in the user-ready position, rollers 27 can drop into asubstantially vertical slot defined in rails 37. Engagement between therollers 27 and the slot can retain the ladder 5 in the user-readyposition. The length of the vertical slot can be substantially equal tothe vertical length of the portion of the pin in slide bolt 64 thatprotrudes over and rests against the outside vertical face of bumperrail 126. As a result, to place ladder 5 back into the storage position,the user can first raise rollers 27 upwards out of the vertical slot andinto the horizontal track portion of rails 37. From this point, the usercan push ladder 5 straight back until the top step clears the lowerhorizontal surface of angle iron 56, at which point, the ladder 5 can beraised by lifting up on the bottom step and pushing ladder 5 back intothe desired storage position. According to this exemplary embodiment, itmay not be necessary to cut a clearance into channel iron 56 for ladder5. According to an alternative embodiment, the vertical slots can beomitted from the rails 37, for example, by providing a cut-out inchannel iron 56 that is large enough to allow the top step of ladder 5to slide back under the trailer when ladder 5 has been raised enough forthe pin that has been left in the open position in slide bolt 64 toclear the top horizontal section of horizontal bumper 126. Thisembodiment may be preferable if the user does not want to raise andlower the pin in slide bolt 64 every time he uses the ladder 5. In thecase where rails 37 come pre-formed with the vertical slot, the verticalslot can be blocked with an optional plate 63 (e.g., bolted or rivetedto the rails 37) if the user wants to engage and disengage the pin inslide bolt 64 every time he uses the ladder 5.

When not in use, ladder 5 may be rolled back under the trailer with itsbottom step resting on the horizontal bumper rail 126, or alternatively,attached to the other end of the roller rails or the trailer framingwith S-hooks or similar devices. The user support railings 16 can beattached to the side rails of ladder 5 when it is in the storageposition.

FIG. 26 is a front view of the five step ladder of FIG. 25 locatedbehind a trailer. On the left side of the figure, the ladder is locatedin the user-ready position, with rollers 27 secured in ladder rollerslots between roller rails 37 and attached to hangers 35 secured totrailer framing 59. The ladder 5 can be held firmly in the user-readyposition by the adjustable bumper bracket 50, which can be raised orlowered to compensate for the vertical height of the horizontal bumperrail 126. The bottom horizontal surface of the bumper bracket 50 can bemounted tightly against the upper surface of horizontal bumper rail 126after being set at the proper elevation, for example, using bolts orother fasteners. The bumper bracket 50 can be attached to the ladder 5via the first ladder bracket 39, and/or second ladder bracket 52, forexample, by bolts, rivets, or other fasteners. The lower horizontalsurface of bumper bracket 50 can rest firmly against the upperhorizontal section of trailer bumper rail 126. Slide bolts 64 may beinstalled on the bottom vertical section of adjustable bumper bracket 50in such a position that when the slide bolts are released, they willrest firmly against the outside vertical section of bumper rail 126, andhold ladder firmly in the user-ready position.

Still referring to FIG. 26, ladder 5 is shown in the center of thefigure in a storage position under the truck bed. Ladder 5 is locatedbetween two vertical stanchions 150 that support the horizontal bumperrail 126. In the exemplary position shown, the bottom of ladder 5 isresting on top of horizontal bumper rail 126. If the user wants tomaximize the height of the top step of ladder 5, he may block out thevertical slots in the roller tracks 37 (shown in FIG. 25), for example,by installing the plate 63 (shown in FIG. 25 and discussed in connectiontherewith). According to an exemplary embodiment, holes may bepredrilled into roller tracks 37 and plate 63 to facilitate mounting ofplate 63, if desired. As discussed above, if the vertical slots inroller tracks 37 are blocked, it may be necessary to remove a portion ofchannel iron 56 as shown to provide clearance for ladder 5 when raisedenough to allow for the pin on slide bolt 67 to clear the top ofhorizontal bumper rail 126 when it is put back in storage position.

On the right side of FIG. 26, ladder 5 is shown in the storage positionand secured there by an S-hook or similar mechanism extending betweenthe ladder's bottom step and the trailer framing 59 and/or roller track37. One of ordinary skill in the art will know that other structures canbe implemented to hold ladder 5 in the storage position. The ladder 5may be mounted in any of the three positions shown in FIG. 26 dependingon which position is most advantageous to the user.

FIG. 27 shows an exemplary three-step version of ladder 5 attached to anopen tailgate. The ladder 5 is shown in solid lines in the user-readyposition, and in hidden lines in the storage position inside the truckbed. When in the user-ready position, the user support railings 16 canbe left in the storage position at the side rails of ladder 5, oralternatively in the user-ready position. Ladder 5 can be mounted to thehorizontal leg of angle iron 55 that is secured to the top side 4 of thetailgate, for example, by toggle bolts 21 or other fasteners extendingthrough the top face 4 of the tailgate by one side of hinges 53. Theother side of hinges 53 can be attached on the outside face of backdrop61, for example, located behind and above the top step of ladder 5. Oneside of hinge 54 can be attached to the horizontal leg of angle iron 55that is secured to the top side 4 of the tailgate, for example, bytoggle bolts 21 or other fasteners extending through the top face 4 ofthe tailgate. The other side of hinge 54 can be attached to the outsidevertical face of rectangular ladder holding plate 57. Rectangular ladderholding plate 57 can be adapted and configured such that when it is inthe vertical position firmly against the outside vertical section ofangle iron 55 (i.e., between the face 3 of the tailgate and the backdrop61 of ladder 5), ladder will be held firmly in its user-ready position.When the tailgate is in the vertical or closed position, ladder 5 can belocated in the storage position inside the bed of the vehicle. Accordingto one exemplary embodiment, ladder holding plate 57 can be secured tothe backdrop 61 of ladder 5, for example, by screws, bolts, or otherfasteners extending through backdrop 61 and plate 57.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of the ladder 5 of FIG. 27. Ladder 5 isshown in the user-ready position supported by backdrop 61. Backdrop 61can be located behind and above the top step of ladder 5, for example,formed integrally with ladder 5 bracing or connected thereto. Backdrop61 can rest firmly against rectangular ladder holding plate 57 when inthe user-ready position. Ladder holding plate 57 is shown in thevertical position against the outside vertical face of angle iron 55,which is mounted against the outside face 3 of the tailgate. One side ofeach set of hinges 53 and 54 can be attached to the topside of thehorizontal leg of angle iron 55, which in turn is secured to the topsurface 4 of the tailgate, for example, by toggle bolts 21 or otherfasteners. The other side of each of hinges 53 can be secured to theoutside surface of backdrop 61 of ladder 5. Alternatively, the otherside of hinges 54 can be secured to the outside surface of therectangular holding plate 57 that is firmly against vertical leg ofangle iron 55 when tailgate is in the open position.

FIG. 29 depicts a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a fivestep ladder similar to that shown in FIG. 25 and described in connectiontherewith. Ladder 5 is shown in both the user-ready position and thestorage position. Compared to the ladder of FIG. 25, the ladder 5 ofFIG. 29 includes the first ladder bracket 39, but not the second ladderbracket 52. In addition, the roller track 37 of FIG. 29 does not includethe optional vertical slot of FIG. 25. In addition, as shown in theinset portion of FIG. 29, one or more additional rollers 27 may beprovided in series behind each set of lead rollers 27. The lead rollers27 may be coupled to the additional rollers 27, for example, by a metalstrip riveted in place. The additional rollers 27 may ease thetransition of ladder 5 from the open user-ready position to the storageposition or visa versa.

FIG. 30 is a side view and FIG. 31 is a top view of an exemplary fivestep version of ladder 5 having an actuator mechanism to move ladder 5from the storage position to the user-ready position, and vice versa.The actuator can comprise a pneumatic cylinder 65 having one end (e.g.,the piston end) attached to the backdrop 61 of ladder 5. The other endof cylinder 65 can be secured to the tractor framing 59. Cylinder 65 canbe located between the two sets of roller rails 37, as shown in FIG. 31,however other locations are possible.

When the piston of cylinder 65 is in an extended position (e.g., fullyextended), the ladder 5 will be located in the user-ready position.Retracting the cylinder piston can return the ladder 5 to the storageposition. When ladder 5 is returned to the storage position, its bottomstep can rest on a horizontal plate 67 that is mounted to the bumperrail 26. The upper surface of plate 67 can be located at substantiallythe same elevation as the upper horizontal surface of bumper rail 26, asshown. Preferably, plate 67 is wide and long enough to engage and retainthe bottom step of ladder 5, in order to hold ladder 5 in the storageposition. Pneumatic cylinder 65 can be powered by compressed airprovided by the vehicle. Alternatively, cylinder 65 may be a hydrauliccylinder. According to another exemplary embodiment, instead of acylinder, the actuator mechanism can comprise a motor driven chain andsprocket system, a screw mechanism, or other linear actuator deviceknown in the art.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of thepresent invention should not be limited by any of the above-describedexemplary embodiments, but should instead be defined only in accordancewith the following claims and their equivalents.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a non-collapsible single unit staircomprising: a pair of opposing side rails supporting at least a top stepand a bottom step; and a roller system adapted to attach said apparatusadjacent to a substantially horizontal surface, said roller systemproviding for movement of the apparatus between a user-ready positionand a storage position under said substantially horizontal surface. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a height adjustableuser-support arm, coupled to one of said side rails with a rotatablecoupling, wherein said user-support arm is moveable between a supportposition and a storage position.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, furthercomprising a second height adjustable user-support arm.
 4. The apparatusof claim 2, wherein said roller system comprises: a pair of spaced-aparttravel rails attached to said horizontal surface; and a pair of rollersattached to said single unit stair and located on said travel rails. 5.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said roller system is adapted toconnect to the underside of a vehicle.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising an actuator mechanism adapted to move said apparatusbetween the user-ready position and the storage position.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein said actuator mechanism comprises apneumatic cylinder.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising anadjustable bracket associated with said single unit stair, saidadjustable bracket adapted to connect to a structure associated with thesubstantially horizontal surface, wherein said adjustable bracketretains said single unit stair in the user-ready position.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein said adjustable bracket is adapted toadjust at least the vertical height of said single unit stair withrespect to the substantially horizontal surface when said single unitstair is in the user-ready position.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8,further comprising at least one ladder brace connecting said adjustablebracket to said single unit stair.
 11. An apparatus, comprising: anon-collapsible single unit stair comprising: a pair of opposing siderails supporting at least a top step and a bottom step; at least onehinge adapted to connect said apparatus to an edge of a horizontalsurface, said hinge providing for movement of said single unit stairbetween a user-ready position and a storage position; and a heightadjustable user-support arm, coupled to one of said side rails with arotatable coupling, wherein said user-support arm is moveable between asupport position and a storage position.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11,further comprising a second height adjustable user-support arm.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 11, further comprising an angle iron adapted to mountto said edge of said horizontal surface, wherein said hinge is mountedon said angle iron.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising aladder holding plate, and at least one second hinge attaching saidladder holding plate to said angle iron.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein said horizontal surface is part of a vehicle.
 16. An apparatus,comprising: a non-collapsible single unit stair comprising: a pair ofopposing side rails supporting at least a top step and a bottom step,and a backdrop located behind and above the top step of the stair; anangle iron adapted to mount to an edge of said horizontal surface, saidangle iron comprising a first leg extending substantially parallel tothe horizontal surface, and a second leg extending substantiallyperpendicular to the horizontal surface; a ladder holding plate; atleast one first hinge connecting said single unit stair to said angleiron; and at least one second hinge connecting said ladder holding plateto said angle iron; wherein surface engagement between said angle ironand backdrop supports said single unit stair in said user-readyposition.